PennLive generated a 3D massing model of downtown Harrisburg, which depicts the anticipated massing of the new Harrisburg University tower. While we wait for the final selection and some renderings, this at least gives some eye candy to the potential impact that this could possible have on the skyline. The third image implies some form and finishes - not sure if that's just a complete guess by the creator of the image, or if they have some inside information. More detail about PennLive's modeling process (with imagery) can be found at the article link below -

Downtown Harrisburg seems to have many of the ingredients for a vibrant downtown, but for some reason it's just kinda dead. Been that way for a long time now... too long. Things seem to be improving over the last few years though. I guess it just needs something to really give it a push... maybe the major university expansion can help do that.

Large employers (including state government, obviously)

Historic/cultural attractions

Restaurants/bars/hotels

Walkability

Beautiful riverfront/recreation

Adjacent residential neighborhood with high density and quality housing

Poverty and crime have worked against it... and I'm not sure that the city's demographics are improving from an economic standpoint or not. Vacancy seems to be rather high in some of the older office buildings -- residential conversion could be an answer there.

Also, a better connection with the riverfront is needed. N Front Street is a major physical and psychological barrier to that connection. It needs to be made two-way and needs to be transformed to more of a parkway, rather than a 3-lane highway at street level. And a much ore iconic connection to the riverfront at State Street is a must. I mean, this is pitiful for the street that leads from the river to our Capitol:

Downtown Harrisburg seems to have many of the ingredients for a vibrant downtown, but for some reason it's just kinda dead. Been that way for a long time now... too long. Things seem to be improving over the last few years though. I guess it just needs something to really give it a push... maybe the major university expansion can help do that.

Large employers (including state government, obviously)

Historic/cultural attractions

Restaurants/bars/hotels

Walkability

Beautiful riverfront/recreation

Adjacent residential neighborhood with high density and quality housing

Poverty and crime have worked against it... and I'm not sure that the city's demographics are improving from an economic standpoint or not. Vacancy seems to be rather high in some of the older office buildings -- residential conversion could be an answer there.

Also, a better connection with the riverfront is needed. N Front Street is a major physical and psychological barrier to that connection. It needs to be made two-way and needs to be transformed to more of a parkway, rather than a 3-lane highway at street level. And a much ore iconic connection to the riverfront at State Street is a must. I mean, this is pitiful for the street that leads from the river to our Capitol:

Downtown won't have any new larger employers until it has more office space. Class A office vacancy is around 4%. B&C office space is getting converted to residential as it bring far higher prices.

As for demographics? If you are speaking of a rising income level, yes the city has been seeing slight upticks. Revenue has been rising over the last few years as tax assessments and EIT have risen.

Still no updates on the HU tower / selected winning proposal (that I could find). The University previously said they hope to have a final contract in place by June though, in order to begin detailed design and local approvals. So we should see something soon, right...?

Still no updates on the HU tower / selected winning proposal (that I could find). The University previously said they hope to have a final contract in place by June though, in order to begin detailed design and local approvals. So we should see something soon, right...?

One would hope? I'll have to ask around to see how its going. Everytime I come across the South Bridge I try to envision what it'll look like.

I've also heard that the Old Fox Hotel (last occupied by Santanna's Seafood Restaurant) will be converted into apartments. I don't believe it has been officially announced, but I was in a meeting where the information was shared.

I would argue that it is vibrant during the day. At least in accordance to the number of people that are there at the time. In the evening the vibrancy largely moves indoors to the bars, restaurants etc. Streets that surround the residential clusters downtown seem to be a little busier.

This is a double win. The building sat empty for a long time, being owned by the hospital and threatened for demo for a parking lot. Great to see it will make a comeback and the historic property will be saved.

That’s how CEO Brad Jones describes the plan by his company, Harristown Enterprises, to breath life back into the long-empty Fox Hotel in Harrisburg, located at the seam of the downtown and Shipoke neighborhoods.

This is a double win. The building sat empty for a long time, being owned by the hospital and threatened for demo for a parking lot. Great to see it will make a comeback and the historic property will be saved.

Very good news! I always thought that building would make for a good residential conversion.

Interesting to see the going rates for units in HBG, my how the times have changed...

Rental Rates have finally gotten to point were a developer can see a ROI on an investment and we're starting to see more interest in fixing up old places. Hopefully we never get into a speculative boom, but it is nice that older inventory is getting renovated and used up.

Rental Rates have finally gotten to point were a developer can see a ROI on an investment and we're starting to see more interest in fixing up old places. Hopefully we never get into a speculative boom, but it is nice that older inventory is getting renovated and used up.

Very true. DT HBG packs a lot of punch for its smaller size but I can't imagine it will do well if rents get too high, will be an interesting balancing act (unless it really takes off of course but it needs more for that to happen).

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